Four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have arrived in Ibadan for the party’s national convention despite a Federal High Court order suspending the event. Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) were confirmed present by South-West PDP Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe.
Conflicting Court Orders Deepen PDP Crisis
The convention faces legal uncertainty following contradictory court rulings. Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court suspended the convention. He ruled that former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido was unlawfully excluded from contesting for national chairman. The court ordered PDP to provide Lamido nomination forms before any convention.
Contrasting this decision, Oyo State High Court’s Justice Ladiran Akintola authorized the convention. His ruling directed INEC to monitor the election of new officers. This conflict occurs amid power struggles between factions supporting FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and acting Chairman Umar Damagum.
Party Officials Defiant Amid Legal Uncertainty
PDP South-West Chairman Ajisafe dismissed awareness of the Abuja court ruling. He asserted convention preparations were 98% complete. “We are obeying the Ibadan High Court ruling,” Ajisafe stated. “Four governors are already on ground. Nothing will stop us.”
The party appears determined to proceed despite Justice Lifu’s order restraining INEC from supervising the convention. This defiance highlights deepening divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party. Security measures have been intensified across Ibadan for the event.
About the Author
